Israeli defense and military officials said they were surprised by U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement that Washington would end its security assistance to Israel by the end of this year, stressing that they had not expected such a decision, particularly on this day.
They noted that regular dialogue with the American side had been ongoing, but said the announcement came as a surprise. They also pointed out that the decision had not yet reached the relevant professional authorities, who would study its implications and consequences once it was received.
The U.S. president said Tuesday that Washington would halt its ten-year security assistance agreement with Israel, which was set to provide the Jewish state with $3.8 billion annually until 2028.
Trump said Israel "doesn't mind" ending the assistance, which began in 2019 during his first term, after the agreement had been signed three years earlier under his predecessor, Barack Obama.
"We will assist Israel if it needs it," he said, noting that the decision to cut the assistance had been made in agreement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump stressed the importance of his country's relationship with Israel, saying that the latter "is first for us. We provide it with more aid than any other party, but it no longer needs it... And if it does need it, I would say it should continue."
The U.S. president partially attributed his decision to criticism directed at him by Democratic Senate candidate Abdul (Abdulrahman) El-Sayed. Speaking to Fox News, Trump said: "Why should we bear the attacks and criticisms of extremists like Abdul El-Sayed as long as they (the Israelis) no longer need this aid?"
